Mary M. Dennis Retired Business Owner Services for Mary Margaret Dennis will be held Saturday, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Allan Singletary officiating. Burial will be in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery located on Old Highway 80 West with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Dennis, 86, of Meridian, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 4, 1923, in Helena, Ark. At an early age, she and her family moved to Pelahatchie, where they were the caretakers of Pelahatchie (Rankin County) Lake for many years. She was an outstanding athlete in high school and set many records in the field of basketball and track. Mrs. Dennis was elected to serve on the Meridian City Council in the early 1970's. She was the first Woman Vice Mayor for the City of Meridian. As you pass over the 29th Avenue Bridge, you will see her name on the dedication plaque. During this time, she was the owner of Meridian Christian Bookstore and Noah's Ark Ice Cream Parlor and Sandwich Shop. She was a faithful member of Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church and was instrumental in the planning and building of Jones Memorial where she had the honor of serving as an Elder. She later became the owner of Dennis Carpet and Janitorial Service. She was an avid fisherman and particularly loved to go to Destin, especially during the Destin Fishing Rodeo. She had the pleasure of participating in the rodeo for twenty-five straight years and had much success! She was presented a Lifetime PTA Membership from Highland School for her dedication to children. Survivors include two daughters: Margaret Ann Dino and her husband, Al, of Riddle, Ore. and Betty Jane Flint and her husband, Gary, of Meridian; son, William T. (Denny) Dennis of Meridian; grandchildren: Ron Hike and wife, Sandra, of Greenwood, Stephanie Bright of Roseburg, Ore., Raymond Flint and his wife, Jennifer of Hickory, Jon T. Flint of Meridian, Meagan Dennis of Florence, Ala., Cody and Riley Dennis of Union Grove, Ala.; great-grandchildren: Justin Hike of Meridian, Morgan Bright of Roseburg, Ore. and Aubrey and Brenah Flint of Hickory; sister-in-laws: Sue Dennis of Brandon, Mary Dennis of Greenwood and Irma Dennis of Hockley, Texas; and, many nieces, nephews and extended families. She was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Dennis, Sr.; parents, Cora and A. J. McWilliams of Pelahatchie; and, sister and brother-in-law, Madeline and Tom Wright of Hernando. Mrs. Dennis loved life to the fullest, enjoyed her many travels and was a truly dedicated person to her family, friends and community, but most of all her Lord. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.
